Small Business Agency Launches AI Support Program with Up to 40 Million Won in Funding

View of the Small Business Market Promotion Agency [Photo=Small Business Market Promotion Agency]

The Small Business Market Promotion Agency is launching a support program aimed at enhancing the artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities of small businesses.

On June 30, the agency held the "2026 Innovation Small Business AI Utilization Support Program Communication Day" at the Sejong University Convention Center in Seoul.

The "Innovation Small Business AI Utilization Support Program" is designed to assist small businesses in creating differentiated products and services through AI. The program will provide step-by-step support, from building AI utilization models to implementing business models.

The agency is currently recruiting participating small businesses from June 12 to July 3. Initially, 1,000 companies will be selected for AI utilization model development, followed by an evaluation process to finalize around 680 companies for business model implementation support.

Selected businesses will work with specialized AI mentor companies to diagnose applicable AI solutions for their operations and develop detailed execution plans. Those chosen for business model implementation support may receive up to 40 million won in commercialization funds.

The event included sharing successful AI utilization cases, guidance on mentoring directions, explanations of the project implementation framework, introductions to regional lead organizations, and networking between lead organizations and mentor companies.

The agency aims to enhance understanding and interest in the program through this event. After recruiting participating small businesses, it plans to facilitate tailored connections between small businesses and mentor companies based on demand, industry characteristics, and desired areas of AI utilization.

Earlier, on June 15, the agency announced a recruitment notice for the "2026 Small Business Digital Specialization University" to educate small businesses on operational strategies using generative AI services.

In Tae-yeon, the agency's director, stated, "Utilizing AI is not just an option but an essential means to strengthen the competitiveness of small businesses. We will actively support the discovery of AI utilization models that small businesses can experience firsthand and lay the groundwork for innovative growth."

* This article has been translated by AI.